CONSERVATIONISTS claim that the heritage of some of Wirral's most beautiful areas is being systematically destroyed by a frenzy of residential development.

They say historic buildings are time and again being torn down and replaced by "ugly" blocks of flats in parts of Hoylake and West Kirby.

And they fear the entire character of the borough is being irrevocably altered, putting the area's heritage at risk.

The latest building to go up for sale is the Cottage Garden on Meols Drive, and conservationists fear it will become the next in a growing line of historic sites to be bulldozed.

Chairman of the King's Gap Conservation Area Advisory Committee in Hoylake, Roger Bates, said: "It is a beautiful cottage next to the former JobCentre which has gone up for sale by informal tender.

"We fear that once again the agents will be looking to sell to developers.

"The character of the Wirral is being irretrievably changed and we are trying to fight that. When a planning application is submitted for the cottage, we will place it under close scrutiny."

The committee was set up 12 months ago after a succession of buildings were knocked down, including the former Orange Grove pub which was replaced by retirement flats.

Campaigners say they are facing an uphill battle to stop all the development.

Wirral Borough councillor for Hoylake, Coun Gerry Ellis said: "Far too many buildings are being lost to ugly development in this area.

"The old Orange Grove looks like a prison from the back and has become known locally as Fort Knox.

"We are currently fighting against plans for 34 apartments which would see the loss of several Victorian buildings and we have just successfully opposed a planning application for a shop front in Hoylake.

"But we are constantly battling. The old JobCentre, called The Priory, was a wonderful 100-year-old building in mock Tudor style.

"It was a tragedy that it went, but we could not stop that. We know that someone will want to knock down the Cottage Garden, but we will fight that."

The advisory committee successfully lobbied Wirral Council for the King's Gap area, which features many large 18th and 19th century houses, to be designated a conservation area 12 months ago.

But the committee claim not enough was done and say the conservation area does not stretch far enough, leaving the way open for developers.

Mr Bates said: "Parts of Stanley Road up to the lighthouse, Beech Road and the Promenade are covered, but we want to see more of Hoylake designated conservation areas."

He added: "We are not against development and change per se, because we want to ensure there is growth and that the town does not die.

"Some development is essential but it can be done sympathetically.

" We need to find the right balance. We do not want major parts of Wirral's heritage to continue to be destroyed."